49ers' Jim Harbaugh has irregular heartbeat

SANTA CLARA -- Jim Harbaugh was scheduled for a minor procedure to address an irregular heartbeat Thursday, prompting what players were told would be a one-day absence for their head coach.

"Coach Harbaugh always tells us he's tougher than a $2 steak. We know he's going to be all right,'' linebacker Patrick Willis said.

Harbaugh, 48, spent Thursday at Stanford Hospital a day after experiencing what ESPN.com reported were chest pains.

In a statement, the 49ers did not disclose the type of medical procedure being performed, saying only that the coach missed practice "under doctor's orders" and adding that "we anticipate he will be back at the facility (Friday)."

Without last year's NFL coach of the year on hand, Brad Seely led preparations for Monday's pivotal NFC showdown against the Chicago Bears at Candlestick Park.

Seeley, the 49ers' the assistant head coach and special teams coordinator, broke the news of Harbaugh's health concerns to players during a morning walk-through practice.

"Our prayers are with him,'' defensive lineman Justin Smith said, shortly after the announcement. "They said it's no big deal, and everything should be fine."

"Hopefully everything goes well," punter Andy Lee said. "We have good doctors in this area and I'm sure he'll be fine and be back here tomorrow."

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By all accounts, Harbaugh looked and sounded fine during practice Wednesday. Willis said the coach sat behind him during defensive player meetings and there were no apparent signs of trouble. "I didn't know anything was wrong,'' the linebacker said.

But later that evening Harbaugh reported not feeling well. That's when the Palo Alto resident made the short trip to Stanford Hospital.

Harbaugh, who turns 49 on Dec. 23, becomes the latest sports figure to have been treated recently for an irregular heartbeat, following Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker, Raiders defensive lineman Desmond Bryant, and University of Alabama athletic director Mal Moore.

The 49ers stressed that this appears to be a minor issue.

We know he's going to be all right," Willis said. "We know we have a bunch of great coaches here that keep everything on track, and we're going to practice today as if he was here."

Harbaugh is 19-5-1 since taking over as head coach last season. The 49ers (6-2-1 this year) lead the NFC West heading into Monday night's showdown against hid old team, the Bears (7-2).

Quarterback Alex Smith also has health concerns after sustaining a concussion during last Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams. Smith practiced again Thursday and all indications are that, barring a setback, he will start against Chicago's formidable defense.

Now, the 49ers are rooting for an equally speedy recovery for their head coach.

"It's unfortunate something happened to a guy like that,'' free safety Dashon Goldson said. "I know he's a strong person and he'll be back tomorrow. Our prayers are with him and his family, and it'll be good to see him tomorrow."